It's not strictly codified in the rules either way, though in all of the playtests so far players have naturally dealt the cards face down onto the table - so everyone can see the backs of them.
The dealer does indeed choose who gets which cards. They can decide however they like or just deal them at random - but it's probably most common to see them used to settle scores
"You get a one for using Greenland to remove Denmark last turn."
"I'm giving you a three 'cause you picked one of my characters for Australia's royal wedding."
Stuff like that.
31
It's not strictly codified in the rules either way, though in all of the playtests so far players have naturally dealt the cards face down onto the table - so everyone can see the backs of them.
The dealer does indeed choose who gets which cards. They can decide however they like or just deal them at random - but it's probably most common to see them used to settle scores
"You get a one for using Greenland to remove Denmark last turn."
"I'm giving you a three 'cause you picked one of my characters for Australia's royal wedding."
Stuff like that.